Computer Vision Syndrome Affects Millions Worldwide

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In a world of updated technology and enhanced productivity models, it is not a mystery how computer vision syndrome affects millions worldwide and can become a very
alarming condition that could be detrimental to eye health.

Computer vision syndrome affects millions worldwide due to technology and work demands.

All over the world, no less than 70 million people in the workforce are at risk of developing computer vision syndrome (CVS) and the numbers are expected to increase over time.

In a report published recently in Medical Practice and Reviews by eye care specialists from Botswana and Nigeria, the authors claimed that there is a imminent risk of working professionals developing CVS like bankers, architects, journalists, accountants, educators, academicians, graphic artists and even students – not limited to those who could not work without a computer to carry on with their regular tasks.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, authors say, because it cannot be discounted that the same risks could develop among average individuals including children and adolescents who spend hours everyday playing computer games to add millions more to the equation.

Researchers claimed that 70 to 90 percent of those who use computers extensively, either for work or play have been found to have one or more symptoms of computer vision syndrome with effects ranging from vision-related problems to neck and back problems, including complaints of neurological symptoms of chronic headaches and musculoskeletal issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and muscle numbness.

Study authors Tope Raymond Akinbinu and Y.J. Mashalla, cited four studies that reported the effects of prolonged computer use from three hours and more daily could result to eye problems, lower back pain, tension headaches and psychosocial stress.

The most reported problem related to computer activity involved blurring of vision, dryness, itching and redness that were all found to interfere with work productivity.

The primary reason why the problem is so pronounced is the fact the eyes are more strained in focusing on pixelized images displayed on a computer screen compared to printed images on hard copy. As the eyes focus on these electronic images, it voluntarily shifts focus on images that help it relax behind or around the screen areas, but with the constant need to refocus and relax, it gets to straining for the eye muscles, eventually resulting to redness or itching, leading to eye fatigue.

Another problem is the reduction in the frequency of blinking that results to dryness of the eyes as it is the blinking movement that is responsible for lubricating the eyes and ends up drying or irritating the eyes. The normal blinking rate is 17 times per minute, however, studies have shown that working on a computer reduces it by only about 12 to 15 times per minute.

The researchers advise that in order to minimize the effects or prevent symptoms is to provide adequate lighting in the work area, reduce glare or brightness on monitors, increase font sizes, proper posture when sitting down to work and taking rest breaks to  allow the eyes and body to move around or rest from work.

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